Identification: Typical smelt shape with large scales and a small first dorsal fin. Color is bluish-gray above, bright silver below. A narrow bright silver band edged with bright blue or purple extends the length of the body. The cheek has a yellowish blotch. It differs from the jacksmelt in that the origin of the anal fin is under the insertion of the first dorsal fin and it has forked jaw teeth instead of conical teeth.

Size: To 14.4 inches. Most caught off piers are under 10 inches long.

Range: Bahia Magdelena, southern Baja California, and the Gulf of California, to Agate Beach, west of Sooke Harbour, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Habitat: Bays and shallow oceanfront areas. Often found in mixed schools with jacksmelt.

Boats: Frequently taken by boaters in Morro Bay and San Francisco Bay.

Bait and Tackle: Most commonly taken on snag lines in southern California; in northern California multi-hook leaders baited with small pieces of bait are used. Typically feeds in the top 10-15 feet of water so anglers should concentrate in this area for the fish.

Food Value: A tasty fish when pan-fried although there are a lot of bones.

Comments: Not as big as jacksmelt but taken in large numbers, especially in southern California.